10/09/2025
SDLP Accuses Executive Parties Of Abandoning Lough Neagh
Matthew O'Toole, SDLP Leader of the Opposition, has urged Sinn Féin, the DUP, and the UUP to "re-think their abandonment" of Lough Neagh.
His comments come ahead of an SDLP Opposition motion on Tuesday, which will call on the parties to support "anything necessary to safeguard the lough."
Mr O'Toole, the South Down MLA, stated that the Executive is "failing Lough Neagh" and that the "two dominant parties" have abandoned any attempt to rescue the lake. He criticised Sinn Féin, in particular, for voting to scrap the consultation on the Nutrients Action Programme (NAP), which he described as a "vital scheme" aimed at reducing agricultural pollution.
He said the SDLP is giving the parties the opportunity to "admit their mistake, reverse their position and support all necessary measures to save Lough Neagh." He highlighted the SDLP's own proposals, which include a levy on big agri-food companies to help fund the clean-up.
His comments come ahead of an SDLP Opposition motion on Tuesday, which will call on the parties to support "anything necessary to safeguard the lough."
He said the SDLP is giving the parties the opportunity to "admit their mistake, reverse their position and support all necessary measures to save Lough Neagh." He highlighted the SDLP's own proposals, which include a levy on big agri-food companies to help fund the clean-up.
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11 June 2025
Parties 'Abandoning Commitment' To Lough Neagh
SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole MLA has accused Sinn Féin, the DUP, and the UUP of abandoning their commitment to save Lough Neagh, following their support for a motion to halt a consultation on the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Minister's Nutrients Action Programme (NAP).
Parties 'Abandoning Commitment' To Lough Neagh
SDLP Leader of the Opposition Matthew O'Toole MLA has accused Sinn Féin, the DUP, and the UUP of abandoning their commitment to save Lough Neagh, following their support for a motion to halt a consultation on the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (AERA) Minister's Nutrients Action Programme (NAP).
23 August 2006
Zebra Mussels continue to spread
The Department of the Environment (DOE) has confirmed concern that Zebra Mussels have spread to Lough Neagh. Zebra Mussels were first discovered in Northern Ireland in Lough Erne in 1997 and every effort has since been made to prevent their spread to other waterways.
Zebra Mussels continue to spread
The Department of the Environment (DOE) has confirmed concern that Zebra Mussels have spread to Lough Neagh. Zebra Mussels were first discovered in Northern Ireland in Lough Erne in 1997 and every effort has since been made to prevent their spread to other waterways.
02 March 2007
Funders join forces to enhance wildlife habitat
Regular visitors to the RSPB Reserve at Portmore Lough will have noticed that the wet fringe of scrub and bushes around the Lough is disappearing fast. The bird hide that was once shrouded in willow and alder trees, can now be seen sitting proud above the reedbed.
Funders join forces to enhance wildlife habitat
Regular visitors to the RSPB Reserve at Portmore Lough will have noticed that the wet fringe of scrub and bushes around the Lough is disappearing fast. The bird hide that was once shrouded in willow and alder trees, can now be seen sitting proud above the reedbed.
04 December 2003
Lough Neagh area to receive £3.2m funding support
The Lough Neagh area is to benefit from a funding package of £3.2 million for a major regeneration initiative. The funding was unveiled today at the formal launch of the Lough Neagh Strategic Fund in the Marina Centre, Ballyronan, Magherafelt.
Lough Neagh area to receive £3.2m funding support
The Lough Neagh area is to benefit from a funding package of £3.2 million for a major regeneration initiative. The funding was unveiled today at the formal launch of the Lough Neagh Strategic Fund in the Marina Centre, Ballyronan, Magherafelt.
09 July 2024
Lough Neagh Action Plan 'Not Sustainable' – SDLP
The NI Executive's continued failure to agree a Lough Neagh Action Plan "is not sustainable", SDLP Opposition AERA Spokesperson Patsy McGlone has warned. He was speaking after the AERA Minister attended a meeting of the Assembly Committee on Monday.
Lough Neagh Action Plan 'Not Sustainable' – SDLP
The NI Executive's continued failure to agree a Lough Neagh Action Plan "is not sustainable", SDLP Opposition AERA Spokesperson Patsy McGlone has warned. He was speaking after the AERA Minister attended a meeting of the Assembly Committee on Monday.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.